- self-guided hotel-to-hotel walking, luggage transported
- contrasting scenery
- real sense of journey
- a day on the Riviera
On the Italian border near the colourful seaside town of Menton, the southernmost Alps plunge dramatically into the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Inland, pretty Italianate villages cling to wooded hillsides linked by delightful footpaths that offer wonderful views of the spectacular scenery around you. One of the real joys of this holiday is to experience the transition from mountain to coastal landscapes, beginning in charming Sospel, where you discover mixed woodland, gorges and valleys, and dramatic, rugged peaks.
As we descended the mountains, it seemed as though the dazzling turquoise sea was within our grasp.
By contrast, the walk finishes on the Riviera, in cosmopolitan Menton, a popular resort since the late 19th century and inspiration to many artists, who were drawn by the clarity of the light. This whole border region is an intriguing blend of French and Italian cultures. Indeed, much of this region remained part of Italy long after the surrounding area was ceded to France – you are just as likely to hear Italian spoken as French, and the local cuisine is a wonderful mix of Provençal and Italian influences.